Have you ever gone down an endless YouTube rabbit hole and realized hours have slipped by? Or tried keeping inappropriate search engine results away from your kids? Unfettered internet access can lower productivity and expose us to things we‘d rather avoid.
Fortunately, Android offers various ways to block websites right from your smartphone or tablet through browser settings and downloads. This guide will teach you how to restrict web access so you can browse more safely and intentionally.
Why Website Blocking Matters
With over 73% of Americans accessing news on their smartphones in 2021 according to Pew Research, mobile devices have become key portals to the wider web. But malware threats and explicit content also run rampant online.
Per a Norton Cyber Safety Insights report, 50% of parents now use website blocking to protect kids from inappropriate search results and risky sites. Such tools also prevent productivity pitfalls:
| Consequences of Unlimited Browsing | % of Americans Affected |
|---|---|
| Exposure to explicit/dangerous content | 61% |
| Financial fraud victimization | 14% |
| Job loss attributed to web overuse | 9% |
Luckily your Android phone or tablet offers built-in settings and downloadable apps to restrict web access when needed.
Method 1: Block Websites Via Android Browsers
The first way to block sites relies on utilizing individual browser capabilities on Android devices. Let‘s explore your options for various popular Android web browsers:
Firefox
Firefox sets itself apart with open-source foundations and support for add-ons that enhance speed, privacy and convenience. Take advantage of this extensibility to block websites through extensions like LeechBlock NG which prevents accessing sites during set times.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Complete website blocking | Limited mobile design flexibility |
| Customizable filtering options | Requires extension download |
To implement LeechBlock NG site blocking in Firefox:
- Tap menu icon ≡ and select "Add-ons"
- Use search bar to find "LeechBlock NG"
- Tap + icon to install extension
- Access newly added extension‘s options
- Enter website URLs under "Block these sites"
Once configured, LeechBlock NG will block those sites in Firefox based on your set schedule and filters.
Chrome
As the #1 browser on desktop and mobile, Google Chrome offers lightning speeds through optimization. However it lacks direct support for addons to customize blocking capabilities:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Intuitive user interface | No native website blocking |
| Seamless Google account syncing | Requires third-party app |
Workaround options to block websites in Chrome:
- Install StayFocused Chrome extension
- Use BlockSite app
- Enable SafeSearch filter
Check out this quick video walkthrough demonstrating how to block a website in Chrome for Android:
[insert embedded video]
Other Major Browsers
Here‘s a comparison of whether leading Android browsers outside Chrome and Firefox let you block individual website URLs natively:
| Browser | Filters Explicit Results | Blocks Specific Sites | Requires Download |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opera Touch | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Microsoft Edge | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Silk Browser | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Dolphin | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
As you can see from the table, Chrome, Edge and Opera only offer SafeSearch-type filtering controls. To block a specific website URL in browsers lacking that capability, a third party app becomes necessary…
Method 2: Manage Site Blocking Through Apps
The most full-proof option involves installing an app dedicated exclusively to blocking access to distracting or inappropriate websites. Let‘s explore the common choices:
1. BlockSite
With over 10 million downloads and 4.7 rating on Google Play Store, BlockSite ranks as a top choice for restricting web browsing on Android.
It blocks sites across all browsers for complete control and enables scheduling site access by time/day.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Free version available | Contains ads |
| Blocks unlimited websites | Requires full access permission |
Blocking websites using BlockSite takes only a few taps:
- Download and open BlockSite app
- Tap green + icon
- Enter website URL under "Add a site"
- Select desired restrictions for that site
- Tap "◀ Back" to apply blocks
For even more customization, the paid BlockSite Premium edition ($2.42/month) removes all ads, provides automatic porn blocking, and lets you whitelist sites accessed only at certain WiFi networks.
2. Parental Control Apps
Concerned what content your kids encounter online? Parental control apps like Google Family Link and Norton Family make it easy to filter websites and monitor browsing on children‘s devices.
If you want video streaming controls and social media monitoring as well, consider a more robust package like Qustodio. Most also provide screen time limits and app blocking options.
Additional Website Blocking Tips
- Incognito mode does not bypass blocking restrictions, so sites blocked under your account will remain inaccessible
- Use a productivity app like Forest or Flipd to block sites if self-control is an issue
- Bookmark trusted news sites if overly-aggressive blocking is impacting access to legitimate content
Conclusion
With malware threats on the rise and distraction lurking online, having effective website blocking tools installed on your Android device promotes better browsing habits.
This guide outlined step-by-step instructions to:
- Block sites directly in Firefox and Chrome using extensions
- Use SafeSearch filters available across top Android browsers
- Download BlockSite for app-crossing site restrictions
- Monitor children through Google Family Link and similar parental controls
What method will you use to restrict website access on your phone or tablet? Comment below on what‘s working best to curb mindless browsing or keeping your kids safe online!
